HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Troy Finner recently addressed a political ad by the Harris County District Attorney where a photo of him in uniform was used.
Finner said the photo was used without his permission and reiterated that he has a history of staying independent of politics.
He stated that he respects District Attorney Kim Ogg and her opponents, and confirmed that he was not endorsing a candidate.
The message read the following:
“I was recently made aware of a political ad by the Harris County District Attorney where a photograph of me in uniform was used. The photograph and ad were done without my permission.
“In my nearly 34 years of law enforcement, I have a history of staying independent of politics. As Chief of Police, that has not changed.
“I respect the District Attorney and her opponents, but I am not endorsing a candidate and look forward to working with whomever the people of Harris County elect.”
Kim Ogg responds
On Friday, during a news conference, Ogg was asked about Finner’s statement about her political ad and using his photo without his permission.
“I didn’t video the chief, I’ve never asked the chief for his endorsement,” Ogg said. “We’re friends of 30 years and I know that appointed chief’s do not endorse. It’s simply a public picture, that was taken in a public place of me doing my job.”
— Troy Finner (@TroyFinner) February 6, 2024